2012.09.05

Agenda:

Agenda - Welcome: Homework: Morning routine: Organization: End of the day routine: Growth: Responsibility: Portal Final notes:
 * 1) Back to School Night - who will say what?
 * Our philosophy is that we don't give homework just to give homework.
 * The consistent homework is Math Boxes and Study Links each night. Show that they have tried each problem.
 * Practice math facts 5-10 minutes per night
 * Recreational reading 30 minutes - should be for enjoyment, it is so important to cultivate a LOVE of reading, so students feel like it is a chore
 * Take home task for spelling - once a cycle. Please sit down with your child to do task, so that you know what the skills we are working on are. You may help them if needed.
 * Please sign planners each night - please do not sign it if it is not done
 * Tests - please sign and return so that we have them for reference at conferences.
 * We tell students that arriving at 8:00 am is a good target to shoot for.
 * The 15 minutes between 8:00-8:15 is a good amount of time for students to get themselves organized for the day. They can unpack, sharpen pencils, get their planners and homework checked, and work on their morning work (Handwriting practice and Daily Geography).
 * Since we have such a full schedule, as soon as the pledge is over we begin the math lesson immediately.
 * Lockers, cubbies, desks - students are expected to keep materials organized in each location, no loose sheets floating around.
 * We write down homework, students are expected to write it down AND make sure it is packed.
 * 4th graders tend to move from being more ego-centric as younger children are to being more aware of their surroundings, of others, and of how their actions affect others.
 * Jane Keily also does a health program with students throughout the year that covers aspects important to the growth of 9 and 10 year olds - personal hygiene, our changing bodies, friendships, healthy relationships
 * Paul Salerno does a guidance program once every other cycle that focuses on restorative justice and problem-solving. He also gives a presentation and will be available during a coffee for questions about the development of fourth graders.
 * 4th graders are expected to be able to communicate with you about what is going on in school and what is coming home.
 * They are at an age where they should be able to practice good communication with you and us.
 * We all use it to post homework, announcements and more.
 * Birthdays - treats (72 hour notice because of allergies), parties - please do not bring invitations and presents to school. Discreet pick-up is encouraged if you are picking up kids for party from the school.
 * 1) Check-in with Daily 5 - we are now adding a Work on Writing session to each day. How is it going?